The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is urging motorists to sign up for its free MOT reminder service, highlighting its effectiveness in helping drivers get their vehicle tested on time. The service, which provides free email or text message reminders, has seen 6 million sign-ups since its launch in 2017.
Data from May 2024 to April 2025 shows that 24.7% of motorists not signed up to the service were late for their MOT. By contrast, only 16.5% of those who had subscribed to the reminders were late. The DVSA states that this difference demonstrates how crucial the service is for road safety.
Grant Thunder, DVSA’s MOT Service Manager, said the agency’s priority is to help motorists keep their vehicles safe. He described the reminder service as a testament to the trust drivers have in DVSA’s digital services and encouraged all drivers to sign up to ensure they never miss an MOT.
The service sends prompts 30 days before a vehicle’s MOT is due, with a second reminder sent two weeks later if the vehicle has not been tested.
Motorists can sign up by visiting gov.uk/mot-reminder and providing their vehicle’s number plate along with a mobile phone number or email address. A vehicle must have an MOT by its third anniversary or the anniversary of its last test if it is over three years old. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000.